Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The historic settlement of
Rolleville
, 28 miles north of George Town, sits atop a hill at
the northern end of Great Exuma. It's a poor village with many meager shacks and former
slave homes, most in tumbledown condition, but it's brightened in late spring and early
summer by African flame trees. The hamlet is the site of the
Rolleville Regatta
, held the
first Monday in August. Several locals still make boats.
SLEEPING
Coral Gardens
B&B $
(
www.coralgardensbahamas.com
;
Hooper's Bay; r from $99; ) Run by retired Brits
Peter and Betty, this charming house is located a few hundred meters inland from lovely
Hooper's Bay and is one of the best deals on the island. The three bedrooms all have
private bathrooms and two small apartments make this a great and good-value option.
Peter, who can help with arranging all activities as well as car rental, is a mine of
local information after a decade on Exuma. The owners also let out a range of beach-
front
apartments
(
www.bahamasbeachapartments.com
) and a superb
beach
house
(
www.coralsandsbahamas.com
)
on Hooper's Bay.
Augusta Bay
HOTEL $$$
( 242-336-2551;
www.augustabaybahamas.com
;
Hooper's Bay; r $315; )
Brightly painted with an African theme, this is a solid choice for anyone looking for an up-
market hotel without the formality. An attractive pool area overlooks a small beach and the
vibe is extremely welcoming. Bargains can often be had by calling the hotel directly.
Exuma Palms Hotel
HOTEL $$$
( 242-358-4040;
www.exumapalms.com
;
Mt Thompson; r $230; ) This motel-
style accommodations has seen better days and has a rather lonely position overlooking an
admittedly very beautiful beach. It has 12 large, air-con beachfront rooms and two cottages,
all modestly but nicely furnished, with patio or balcony and satellite TV.
Sandals at Emerald Bay
RESORT $$$
( 242-336-6989;
www.sandals.com
;
Queen's Hwy, Roker's Point; r $400-550;
) This exclusive resort is rather isolated from everything else on the island, but is
totally self-contained and so many visitors leave only to go to the airport. Centered on a
golf course designed by Greg Norman, the resort complex features vacation town-house
